On this second Sunday after Epiphany, we have the opportunity to join as one people may we join at this time to pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need. 

A brief silence

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours in this Epiphany Season. Reveal your love to us and help us acknowledge the many ways you open your heart to provide for our every need. Some of your people are in distress today and are lonely and desolate. Answer the prayers of those who have asked for our prayers, and hear the prayers of those who have no one to pray for them. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Enrich the Church throughout the world with every spiritual gift. Give it pastors and lay leaders who, like John the Baptist, proclaim Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Make willing and trusting disciples of everyone in this congregation using our God granted gifts to glorify you and build up our community of faith. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we thank you that you sent Jesus into a loving family, and that He revealed His glory to them in so many ways.  We pray for our family members, that they would grow closer to you and know the joy and peace of following You.  Let us embrace and boldly share the message with our own families and all people proclaiming, “We have found him of whom the Scriptures speak; come and see that this is the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world!”  Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Enlighten the minds and purify the hearts of those who take counsel for the nations. Turn them away from the false gods of power, prestige, and ideology; and teach them your ways. Bless this nation and our elected and appointed leaders, especially those who will take office this week. Heal the divisions that exist in our country. We pray for your favor upon our nation, so that it may always be a beacon of righteousness, justice and freedom for all. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Stoop down, Healing Spirit and hear the cries of all who are persecuted or suffer in any kind of mind, body or soul.  Lift them out of their desolation; make their footing sure; and put a new song into their mouths. Restore them to all who love them, that together we may proclaim your faithfulness and deliverance. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Comfort the heart and minds of those facing loss and still grieving the death of a special person.  We know you looked upon us with grace and sacrificed your Son so that we may all live again. Thank you for the promised reunion with those we grieve now for indeed, in the last days, we will all be in your joyous presence forever. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we lift up these petitions knowing that You are here to guide and teach us.  Thank you for being present in every part of our lives, not just the beginning and end.  We submit to your will and trust in your mercy; through Your Son, the Light of the World. Amen